UK government looking into another new digital identity scheme

A new digital identity scheme for business is being proposed by the UK government, nearly ten years since the government approved the development of Gov.uk Verify as a government-wide digital identity system for online public services, writes Computer Weekly.

The government is adding newer digital identity systems, such as the Identity and Attributes Exchange (IAX), NHS Login, the EU Settled Status developed by the Home Office, DWP’s Confirm Your Identity, Digital Identity Scotland, a second Government Gateway for universal credit claims and another system at HM Revenue & Customs.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is looking into adding its own program, and has already finalized the first stage of providing businesses with an online business profile. This was accomplished with assistance from KPMG and Layer 7 IT Security. The Government Digital Service (GDS) excluded businesses from Verify in 2014.

The second stage remains uncertain, as the institution is not sure whether it will continue or not.

According to Computer Weekly, BEIS wants to introduce the system to provide companies with better access to government support services and contracts, and reduce fraud. The Digital Business Identity could be used in both private and public sectors, based on a briefing reviewed by the publication.

Since 1997, the UK government has repeatedly been trying to establish a digital identity plan, according to Jerry Fishenden, government advisor and former chair of the Privacy and Consumer Advisory Group.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Treasury extended funding for Gov.uk Verify following an increase in Universal Credit applications, and shortly after the digital identity chief resigned. The service has since grown in popularity, with over 640,000 new accounts on a weekly basis, due to the need for financial support.

In June, BioID partnered with Solera Holdings’ subsidiary Digidentity to provide biometric anti-spoofing liveness detection and automated identity proofing for Gov.uk Verify.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  digital government  |  digital identity  |  government services  |  UK